‘American Idol’ 2022 Top 3: These Artists Are Heading to the Finale
American Idol 2022 is nearing its finish line. The singing competition named season 20’s Top 3 contestants on Sunday, May 15, after an evening of double performances from the Top 5. Carrie Underwood, who is currently in the middle of her Las Vegas residency, returned to the American Idol stage years after her win to mentor the remaining artists. At the end of the night, two singers went home. Here’s who made it to American Idol 2022’s Top 3.
[Spoiler alert: The following story contains spoilers for American Idol Season 20 Episode 19, “Top 5.”]
‘American Idol’ 2022: Who made the Top 3?
In celebration of Underwood’s success since her Idol days, the contestants performed some of her songs in the first half of the two-hour episode on Sunday night. Carrie offered wise advice throughout the process. For example, she told Noah Thompson, who stepped out of his shell to compete on American Idol, that he could calm his nerves by closing his eyes and pretending nobody else was in the room during his performance.
Working with Noah even brought Carrie to tears, as he reminded her of what she felt like in her own musical journey.
“I do feel like this show was created for people like me and for people like Noah, who didn’t know how to dream that big but knew they wanted to do something,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
Noah chose to sing Carrie’s “So Small.” Judge Lionel Richie commended Noah for his ability to “tell stories” through music. Meanwhile, Katy Perry applauded him for moving around the stage and connecting with the audience.
In the show’s second half, the contestants could select any song they wanted. Leah Marlene delivered a haunting rendition of Journey’s “Separate Ways,” and Luke Bryan couldn’t find the right words to describe how much he loved it. Lionel said Leah had already guaranteed herself a career in music.
Likewise, Luke said HunterGirl’s performance of Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” solidified her as a star.
“You’re flipping into star mode, and it looks good on you,” he added.
Noah, Leah, and HunterGirl make up American Idol 2022’s Top 3. They’ll move on to the finale for their last performances before America votes for its next Idol.
Who was eliminated on ‘American Idol’ last night?
American Idol had two shocking eliminations during Sunday’s episode: Nicolina Bozzo and Fritz Hager. The news made Katy’s jaw drop as the two singers congratulated the Top 3. Nicolina performed Adele’s “All I Ask,” which Lionel called an “American Idol treasured moment,” as well as Carrie’s “Blown Away.” She earned a standing ovation from the judges.
Meanwhile, Fritz performed Carrie’s “I Wanna Remember” and 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Youngblood.” His latter performance showed off a new level of energy for Fritz as he ditched his guitar and danced around the stage. The judges loved this new side of him, with Katy comparing him to a member of The Strokes or The Ramones.
‘American Idol’ 2022 finale performances: what to expect
The American Idol 2022 finale will air on Sunday, May 22. As People reported, Carrie Underwood will return again to perform, as well as several other artists, including Flo Rida, Thomas Rhett, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sara Bareilles, and more. Plus, the judges will each take to the stage with their own performances. The contestants will perform a round of songs dedicated to Bruce Springsteen. Finally, Top 7 contestant Christian Guardino will return to sing alongside Michael Bublé.
American Idol airs on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for more updates.
